A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindukush region of eastern Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon, local time (corresponding to Saturday evening in Greece), according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The quake had a focal depth of 100 kilometres.
Differing Depth Estimates
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the same event as a 6.1-magnitude tremor but with a deeper focal point — at 208 kilometres beneath the surface.
Widespread Impact
The shaking was felt across Kabul and in northern Pakistan, Reuters reported. In Swat, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in northern Pakistan, residents rushed out of their homes in panic, according to local resident Daniyal Ahmad, who spoke to Reuters.
“It was very strong and lasted a long time,” Ahmad described. “People ran outside their homes, and women and children were crying in fear.”